Foldable Mat

ABSTRACT

A foldable mat includes a mat including a padded material and a plurality of sections, each section of the plurality of sections having substantially similar dimensions such that the plurality of sections fold together. The foldable mat also includes a rigid material disposed within at least one section of the plurality of sections of the mat and a restraining mechanism arranged to restrain a person on the mat.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/253,751, filed Nov. 11, 2015, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to foldable mats and, in one particularembodiment, to a foldable diaper changing pad.

2. Background

Traditionally, diaper changing pads are large, bulky, and difficult totransport. Moreover, traditional changing pads make it difficult tochange a moving baby and, especially when space is limited, pose a riskof injury to a child that rolls or otherwise moves. Moreover, existingmedical restraint systems are not readily portable and are thereforeinconvenient for use in the field.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to provide a foldable changing padwith restraints that reduces or eliminates at least some of the problemsassociated with known mats.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,provided is a foldable mat, comprising: a mat comprising a paddedmaterial and a plurality of sections, each section of the plurality ofsections having substantially similar dimensions such that the pluralityof sections fold together; a rigid material disposed within at least onesection of the plurality of sections of the mat; and a restrainingmechanism arranged to restrain a person on the mat.

In non-limiting embodiments, the rigid material comprises plastic havinga shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one section it isdisposed within. Moreover, the plurality of sections may comprise atleast three sections, such that at least one middle section is attachedto two other sections, and wherein the rigid material is disposed withinthe at least one middle section. In some examples, the plurality ofsections comprises four sections, including two middle sections, and therigid material is disposed within one middle section of the two middlesections.

In non-limiting embodiments, the restraining mechanism comprises aplurality of straps arranged such that, when the person is secured onthe pad with the plurality of straps, the person's shoulders are on topof the rigid material. Further, the plurality of straps may comprise atleast two straps, and wherein the at least two straps extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the at least one section comprisingthe rigid material. In some non-limiting embodiments, the restrainingmechanism comprises a plurality of straps including at least one straparranged to be secured over the person's chest and at least one straparranged to be secured over the person's shoulders. Further, therestraining mechanism may comprise a plurality of straps including atleast one fastening mechanism. The fastening mechanism may comprise, forexample, Velcro®.

In non-limiting embodiments, the foldable mat comprises a plush toyattached to at least one strap of the plurality of straps. Further, insome embodiments, one side of the changing pad may comprise a non-slipsurface.

According to another non-limiting embodiment of the present invention,provided is a foldable mat, comprising: a mat comprising a width, afront side, a back side, and a plurality of sections, each section ofthe plurality of sections having a width corresponding to the width ofthe mat; a padded material disposed between the front side and the backside of the mat; a rigid material disposed within at least one sectionof the plurality of sections; and a restraining mechanism arranged torestrain a person on the mat.

In non-limiting embodiments, the restraining mechanism comprises aplurality of straps arranged such that, when the person is secured onthe pad with the plurality of straps, the person's shoulders are on topof the rigid material. Further, the plurality of straps may comprise atleast two straps, and the at least two straps may extend substantiallyperpendicularly from the at least one section comprising the rigidmaterial. In some non-limiting embodiments, the restraining mechanismcomprises a plurality of straps including at least one strap arranged tobe secured over the person's chest and at least one strap arranged to besecured over the person's shoulders.

In non-limiting embodiments, the padded material may comprise aplurality of portions of padded material, and each portion of paddedmaterial may be disposed within a section of the plurality of sections.Further, the restraining mechanism comprises a plurality of strapsincluding at least one strap arranged to be secured over the person'schest and at least one strap arranged to be secured over the person'sshoulders. Moreover, in some non-limiting embodiments, the back side ofthe mat may comprise a non-slip material.

These and other features and characteristics of the present invention,as well as the methods of operation and functions of the relatedelements of structures and the combination of parts and economies ofmanufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of thefollowing description and the appended claims with reference to theaccompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification,wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in thevarious figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only andare not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. As usedin the specification and the claims, the singular form of “a”, “an”, and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional advantages and details of the invention are explained ingreater detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments thatare illustrated in the accompanying schematic figures, in which:

FIG. 1A is a front view of a foldable mat according to the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 1B is a back view of the foldable mat shown in FIG. 1A according tothe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of another foldable mat according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the foldable mat shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2in a folded position according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a back view of a foldable mat according to the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 5 is a front view of a foldable mat according to the principles ofthe present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a restraining mechanism for a foldable padaccording to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a further front view of the restraining mechanism shown inFIG. 6 for a foldable pad according to the principles of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 8A and 8B show a foldable mat in a folded position according tothe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 9 shows a foldable mat in a folded position according to theprinciples of the present invention;

FIG. 10 shows a foldable mat in a partially folded position according tothe principles of the present invention;

FIG. 11 shows a front side of a foldable mat in a partially foldedposition according to the principles of the present invention;

FIG. 12 shows a back side of a foldable mat according to the principlesof the present invention;

FIGS. 13-15 show a front side of a foldable mat according to theprinciples of the present invention; and

FIG. 16 shows a foldable mat with a child restrained within the strapsaccording to the principles of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “up,” “down,”“above,” “below,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like, relate to the inventionas it is shown in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understoodthat the invention can assume various alternative orientations and,accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting. Further,all numbers expressing dimensions, physical characteristics, processingparameters, quantities of ingredients, reaction conditions, and thelike, used in the specification and claims are to be understood as beingmodified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unlessindicated to the contrary, the numerical values set forth in thefollowing specification and claims are approximations that can varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical value should at least be construed in light of the numberof reported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques.

The present invention is directed to a foldable mat for restraining anindividual during a procedure. The preferred embodiment discussed hereinrelates to a diaper changing pad for babies, although one skilled in theart will appreciate that the foldable mat has numerous otherapplications and uses. For example, the foldable mat may be used forboth children and adults to restrain them and/or perform medicalprocedures. As used herein, the term “mat” may refer to any type ofprotective material, pad, and/or the like.

In a preferred and non-limiting embodiment, the foldable mat comprises aplurality of sections of similar size that are arranged to fold togetherfor easy transportation. For example, the foldable mat may include four(4) sections including two (2) end sections and two (2) middle sections.It will be appreciated that any number of sections may be used dependingon the size of the mat when unfolded and the desired size of the foldedmat. In one example, the foldable mat may be two pieces of material sewntogether with a pad or padded material disposed in between. The paddedmaterial may be sewn in or, in other examples, one or more pieces ofmaterial may be sewn together between each section to allow for thesections to hinge and fold together.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, a front view of a foldable mat 100 is shownaccording to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment. The externalsurface of the foldable mat 100 is made of an outer material 102 havinga surface that can be easily cleaned, such as nylon or other likewaterproof or water-resistant material. A padded material 105 isdisposed within the outer material 102, and seams 120, 122, 124 dividethe mat 100 into sections to allow for the mat 100 to be folded. Thepadded material may include, but is not limited to, polyester batting orfoam and may be of various thicknesses including, but not limited to,approximately a quarter inch. Other thicknesses may be used. Moreover,it will be appreciated that, in some non-limiting embodiments, the outermaterial 102 may also be the padded material such that a single piece ofmaterial is used.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, a rigid material 106 is sewn into orotherwise disposed within the outer material 102, and may be as shown inFIG. 1A or of various other dimensions. Moreover, the rigid material 106may be disposed in a middle section of the mat 100, as shown in FIG. 1A.The rigid material 106 may include any suitable inflexible materialincluding, but not limited to, plastic, wood, and/or other likematerials. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the rigidmaterial 106 has a shape corresponding to a shape of the section it isdisposed in, with narrower dimensions to. However, other variations arepossible. The rigid material 106 may be in place of or in addition tothe padded material. Further, in some examples, the other sections ofthe mat may be flexible and non-rigid. In some non-limiting embodiments,however, a rigid material 106 may be disposed in multiple sections orall sections of the mat 100. In one possible example, the rigid materialmay keep an individual flat on his or her back when used to support theindividual's shoulders.

With continued reference to FIG. 1A, a restraint system is shownaccording to a preferred and non-limiting embodiment. The restrainsystem includes a plurality of straps 112, 114, 116, 118 for securing anindividual, such as a child, onto the mat 100. For example, two straps112, 114 may be arranged to secure a child from the sides, over his orher chest, and two straps 116, 118 may be arranged to secure a childover the shoulders. The straps 112, 114, 116, 118 may be secured withVelcro®, buttons, snaps, buckles, and/or other like fasteningmechanisms. The straps 112, 114, 116, 118 are arranged to keep thechild's shoulders against the rigid material 106, which makes it easierto keep the child secure and in place. For example, the straps 112, 114may extend from the sides of the section comprising the rigid material106. It will be appreciated, however, that various arrangements arepossible.

In FIG. 1A, fastening mechanisms 113, 115 are shown on the front side ofthe foldable mat 100. In the depicted example, fastening mechanisms 113,115 are pieces of Velcro®, although it will be appreciated that variousother fastening mechanisms may be used such as, for example, snaps,buttons, straps, buckles, and/or the like. Referring to FIG. 1B, a backside of the foldable mat 100 depicted in FIG. 1A is shown according to apreferred and non-limiting embodiment. The back side of the mat 100 mayinclude the same outer material 102 or, in other examples, a differenttype of material. For example, non-slip material such as rubber may beused on the back side of the mat 100. Fastening mechanisms 117, 119 areshown that are used in conjunction with the fastening mechanisms 113,115 on the front side of the mat 100 to secure the foldable mat 100 in afolded position. It will be appreciated that fastening mechanisms 113,115, 117, 119 may be located in any suitable location and, in someexamples, the straps 112, 114, 116, 118 may also be used to secure thefoldable mat 100 in a folded position.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a foldable mat 101 is shown according toanother preferred and non-limiting embodiment. Here, the foldable mat101 includes sections 104, 106, 108, 110. The sections 104, 106, 108,110 may include pads or padding material, such as but not limited topolyester batting or foam. Middle section 106 may include a rigidmaterial, as described above, in addition to or instead of the pad orpadding material. The sections 104, 106, 108, 110 may be sewn or adheredwithin the outer material 102 or, in other examples, may be floatingbetween two pieces of outer material 102 within sewn-together sectionsof the foldable mat 101. The outer material 102 is shown as onecontinuous piece of material that runs the length of the foldable mat101, although it will be appreciated that the outer material 102 may bein separate sections that are sewn or otherwise adhered together.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a folded mat 103 is shown according to apreferred and non-limiting embodiment. As can be seen, the folded mat103 is approximately one-quarter the length of the unfolded mat shown inFIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2. However, it will be appreciated that the mat 103may be folded any number of times based on the design of the mat 103 andthe number of sections used. Here, the dimensions of the folded mat 103are similar in proportion to the dimensions of the rigid material 106disposed within the mat 103.

It will be appreciated that the outer material of the foldable matdescribed herein may be any number of colors and/or patterns. In someexamples, and as described above, the outer material may be different ona front (i.e., changing side) and back of the foldable mat. For example,the back of the foldable mat may include rubber or other non-slipmaterial to increase friction between the foldable mat and a surfacebeing used, thereby preventing the foldable mat from sliding.

In some examples, a toy may be incorporated into the foldable mat tokeep a child entertained while being changed. For example, a plush toymay be incorporated and/or attached to the straps of the folding mat sothat it can be accessed by the child while restrained.

In non-limiting embodiments, the foldable mat may comprise one or morecompartments, such as but not limited to a pocket, and may be openand/or closable. A compartment may be used to store the straps, changingwipes, bags, and/or the like.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the foldable mat may comprise one ormore handles and/or straps for transporting the mat. The foldable matmay also comprise a securing strap for holding the foldable mat in afolded position. Other variations are possible.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a foldable mat with preferred and non-limitingdimensions. It will be appreciated that numerous shapes and dimensionsmay be used. For example, the foldable mat shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 are 24inches long and 14 inches wide, in four (4) sections 6 inches long.Various sizes and proportions are contemplated.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show a restraining mechanism according to a preferred andnon-limiting embodiment. Although fastening mechanisms are shown asVelcro® in FIGS. 6 and 7, it will be appreciated that various othermechanisms may be used. Moreover, it can be seen that side straps can befastened together across an individual's chest, and the shoulder strapscan then be fastened onto the side straps. However, it will beappreciated that various arrangements may be used to secure anindividual to the foldable mat. In a preferred and non-limitingembodiment, the side straps are shown as extending 8 inches from thefoldable mat and made of a material 6 inches wide. The shoulder strapsare shown in FIG. 6 to extend 14 inches from the side straps, and madeof a material 3 inches wide. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat, in embodiments in which a restraining mechanism includes aplurality of straps, various sizes and types of straps may be used.

FIGS. 8-16 show photographs of a folding mat 100 according to apreferred and non-limiting embodiment. FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 9 show a mat100 in a folded position. FIG. 10 shows a mat 100 in a partially foldedposition with fastening mechanisms 113, 115, 117, 119 for securing themat 100 in a folded position. FIG. 11 shows a front side of a mat 100 ina partially folded position with straps 112, 114 folded inward. FIG. 12shows a back side of a mat 100 in an unfolded position with straps 112,114 extending outward. FIG. 13 shows a front side of a mat 100 in anunfolded position with one strap 114 folded inward and another strap 112extending outward. FIG. 14 shows a front side of a mat 100 in anunfolded position with straps 112, 114 folded inward. FIG. 15 shows afront side of a mat 100 in an unfolded position with all straps 112,114, 116, 118 folded inward. The straps are folded inward for storageand/or transportation, and are folded outward to prepare the mat 100 foruse. FIG. 16 shows a mat with a child restrained within the straps.

It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art thatmodifications may be made to the invention without departing from theconcepts disclosed in the foregoing description. For example, variouscomponents of the mechanical and electronic relief devices describedabove can be used together in the same valve. Accordingly, theparticular embodiments described in detail herein are illustrative onlyand are not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be giventhe full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalentsthereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A foldable mat, comprising: a mat comprising apadded material and a plurality of sections, each section of theplurality of sections having substantially similar dimensions such thatthe plurality of sections fold together; a rigid material disposedwithin at least one section of the plurality of sections of the mat; anda restraining mechanism arranged to restrain a person on the mat.
 2. Thefoldable mat of claim 1, wherein the rigid material comprises plastichaving a shape corresponding to a shape of the at least one section itis disposed within.
 3. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein theplurality of sections comprises at least three sections, such that atleast one middle section is attached to two other sections, wherein therigid material is disposed within the at least one middle section, andwherein the two other sections are flexible.
 4. The foldable mat ofclaim 3, wherein the plurality of sections comprises four sections,including two middle sections, and wherein the rigid material isdisposed within one middle section of the two middle sections.
 5. Thefoldable mat of claim 1, wherein the restraining mechanism comprises aplurality of straps arranged such that, when the person is secured onthe pad with the plurality of straps, the person's shoulders are on topof the rigid material.
 6. The foldable mat of claim 5, wherein theplurality of straps comprises at least two straps, and wherein the atleast two straps extend substantially perpendicularly from the at leastone section comprising the rigid material.
 7. The foldable mat of claim1, wherein the restraining mechanism comprises a plurality of strapsincluding at least one strap arranged to be secured over the person'schest and at least one strap arranged to be secured over the person'sshoulders.
 8. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein the restrainingmechanism comprises a plurality of straps including at least onefastening mechanism.
 9. The foldable mat of claim 6, wherein the atleast one fastening mechanism comprises Velcro®.
 10. The foldable mat ofclaim 1, further comprising a plush toy attached to at least one strapof the plurality of straps.
 11. The foldable mat of claim 1, wherein oneside of the changing pad comprises a non-slip surface.
 12. A foldablemat, comprising: a mat comprising a width, a front side, a back side,and a plurality of sections, each section of the plurality of sectionshaving a width corresponding to the width of the mat; a padded materialdisposed between the front side and the back side of the mat; a rigidmaterial disposed within at least one section of the plurality ofsections; and a restraining mechanism arranged to restrain a person onthe mat.
 13. The foldable mat of claim 12, wherein the rigid materialcomprises plastic having a shape corresponding to a shape of the atleast one section it is disposed within.
 14. The foldable mat of claim12, wherein the plurality of sections comprises at least three sections,such that at least one middle section is attached to two other sections,and wherein the rigid material is disposed within the at least onemiddle section.
 15. The foldable mat of claim 14, wherein the pluralityof sections comprises four sections, including two middle sections, andwherein the rigid material is disposed within one middle section of thetwo middle sections.
 16. The foldable mat of claim 12, wherein therestraining mechanism comprises a plurality of straps arranged suchthat, when the person is secured on the pad with the plurality ofstraps, the person's shoulders are on top of the rigid material.
 17. Thefoldable mat of claim 16, wherein the plurality of straps comprises atleast two straps, and wherein the at least two straps extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the at least one section comprisingthe rigid material.
 18. The foldable mat of claim 12, wherein the paddedmaterial comprises a plurality of portions of padded material, andwherein each portion of padded material is disposed within a section ofthe plurality of sections.
 19. The foldable mat of claim 12, wherein therestraining mechanism comprises a plurality of straps including at leastone strap arranged to be secured over the person's chest and at leastone strap arranged to be secured over the person's shoulders.
 20. Thefoldable mat of claim 12, wherein the back side of the mat comprises anon-slip material.